Wiltshire's fire service 'has gaps' in their on-call crews
The brigade's trying hard to recruit more personnel
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service admit they 'have gaps' across their on-call crews - but say they're working hard to fill them.
47 out of the 50 stations across Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue's patch are manned by on-call staff.
The issue's been highlighted in the last few days, when Wilton's station couldn't send an engine to a fire in the open less than a mile from their base.
Crews from Salisbury and Fordingbridge attended instead, because there weren't on-call staff available.
Group Manager Wayne Presley from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue recommends the role, although people need to be quite near to stations:
"I spent 20 years as an on-call firefighter, Crew Manager and Watch Manager. There are fantastic opportunities within the team, and in engaging with the community as a whole.
"Currently an average response time is around five to eight minutes, and that's from your workplace or home address, as an example."
Anyone over the age of 18 can sign up to be an on-call firefighter, with stations training on Monday or Wednesday nights.
You can find out more by visiting your local station, or on the DWFRS website.
Group Manager Wayne Presley says the role is suited to anyone:
"They can come from all walks of life. They could be teachers, they could be factory workers, builders, plumbers, PCSOs, mums, leisure centre workers, members of the Ministry of Defence - it's a fantastic organisation, and a fantastic opportunity to come and join our teams on our fire stations."